Successful School Board Leadership

I found [this] book very helpful in organizing some of the ongoing challenges of being a member of a successful school board. The balance of what is in the best interests of the students with the ongoing public and private pressures of being on the board are clearly delineated... [the] book clearly expressed the balance that the board must maintain and the potential consequences of not clearly identifying the appropriate role of the board trustee... The conflict between the many roles of the board members makes it a very challenging experience. Your book, which includes a thoughtful discussion of the issues as well as philosophical frameworks and potential solutions, was a very good read... [This] book is a must read for anyone who is thinking of running for a board position as well as...'seasoned veterans.' -- Anne Ritter, trustee, Joint School District No. 2, Meridian, Idaho
The quality and sustainability of a school district rests on the connection between its leaders and key stakeholders, specifically the superintendent, school board members and their community. Ivory and Acker-Hocevar have brought together a set of key district leadership issues, getting straight to the heart of what school board members are challenged with and how they can work effectively in today's pressure-cooker educational environments. The research findings shared in this book illuminate critical challenges school board members face, such as sustaining strong and student-focused relationships with their superintendent, meeting rising expectations with shrinking resources, resolving school district politics, and identifying helpful school board professional development. This book will be useful to anyone wanting to learn more about the work and challenges of school boards as well as what effective school board practice looks like. -- Michelle D. Young, Executive Director of the University Council for Educational Administration
I truly enjoyed reading this book. If only I had had it 10 years ago when I began my school board service, I may not have made so many mistakes...Even reading it now it has renewed my passion and drive to strive to be the best school board member I can be for the students and community in which I serve...This is a must read for every new school board member and superintendent and should be required to reread every few years as a reminder of keeping our focuses on the vision...This book clearly defines the roles and responsibilities for school board members and gives a blue print of how to manage each of these important responsibilities placed upon us. I cant say enough about this book. -- Teresa Cornette, Boyd County Board of Education, Ashland, KY
I would recommend your book to rookie board members as well as seasoned trustees and superintendents. The face of education is changing and trustees must be ready to adapt much quicker! -- Brian Duncan, vice president, Idaho School Board Association and chairman, Minidoka Joint School District #331 (ID)
One of the ways that this book can assist school board members is by creating an understanding of the tensions inherent in the role with some examples of means to reduce some of this pain…. Reassuring for those concerned about the future of school boards…. School board members and superintendents can come close to that elusive balance within their communities by following the overall principles included. * Journal Of School Public Relations *